One Piece Fanfiction

{CHAPTER 22}

-THE 'PERFECT' DISGUISE-

Preparation where being made. It was the next day when Zoro found himself getting ready to leave for Aoi village in the mansion.

Along with him were a few guards and Kado, their leader, who were making preparations as well. All of the guards had different sort if weapon, swords, bow, spear, guns. Some of them had also worn wide conical bamboo hats which would protect their heads from rain.

Placed over there was also a hefty palanquin, in which the supposed ' head ' of the Midori village is supposed to be.

There was not really a need for it, though it somewhat made things easier for them. Aiko had told the Strawhats the names of 7 people that knew Aiko's location when she was in hiding and could supposedly be the traitor.

Though, Kei could clearly remember that she told them previously that there were 8 people and so asked who was the remaining one.

Surprisingly, it was Kado.

The Strawhats had curiously asked why she didn't suspect him and Aiko had simply answered that Kado was someone that her father trusted deeply and the one who took care of her and her brother since they were small. So she truly believes that he wasn't the traitor.

3 people out of the 7 suspected traitors were there within the guards present to escort their village's head to Aoi village along with Zoro and Kado. The green-haired swordsman turned his gaze towards a nearby wall, where a wall clock was placed.

9:00 pm

Was shown in the clock. They were leaving two hours early for the meeting, even though the journey to the other village is only supposed to be of one hour. There were three paths that lead to the other village. All including to go through the forest and passing the river that was one of the reason for this meeting.

Zoro's mind was soon diverted from the wall clock to a new presence that had made to where they were.

A new face had come to view which consisted of a young man who looked in his twenties. He was a tall guy, almost 6 feet, along with long brown hair with golden highlights tied back into a low pony tail.

He was also wearing a yukata and Zoro's eyes soon turned towards the long sword placed on his hips.

This had made the noisy guards go quiet, showing that he was someone important.

His sudden presence had made Kado's eyes widen with mild surprise, though it soon turned to a normal one.

"Ryuu-san........ How come you are here today? I clearly remember that you were going to return tomorrow."

Kado questioned in a formal voice while the man named Ryuu approached him with a smile on his face.

"I was able to make some adjustments and return today since it's an important day for us. "

Despite Kado's formal and distant tone, Ryuu answered him in a soft voice.

"When I heard that Aiko had hired some pirates for help, I wanted to meet them personally." Ryuu said with an amused expression.

"Oh, the pirates....... For now , only one of them is here. Others will......join later in the journey." Kado informed him and soon turned to look towards Zoro.

"He's one of them."

Ryuu turned towards Zoro and soon a soft smiled formed on his lips.

"I see. Nice to meet you, I'm Ryuu Kawakami. Aiko's elder brother. I'm grateful that you decided to help us at such a time."